Ages:

Grade Range:

Food Groups:

Activity Description

Preparation:

You may wish to use an available script or adapt a narrative for a script

Photocopy one script for each student

Organize student groups

Assign a speaking part to each student within the group

Use flexible and mixed ability groupings

Implementation:

Session 1:

Read aloud the script

Have students follow along by reading their copy of the script silently

Share the student groups and speaking parts

Have small groups read through the script

Encourage students to sit in circles

Have groups reread the script

Encourage students to add expression, actions and gestures

Session 2:

Invite groups to perform in front of the class

Adaptations For

English Language Learners/ESL:

- Select an appropriate speaking part for the student

LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:

- Have all students highlight their speaking parts- Prior to the activity invite the student to practice reading his/her speaking part- Select an appropriate speaking part for the student

Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:

- Select a script that is culturally appropriate and includes a familiar topic

Differentiated Instruction:

- Select a script that includes a variety of reading levels- Use flexible and mixed ability groupings

Related References

Source:Worthy, J. (2008). Reader's Theater for Building Fluency: Strategies and Scripts for Making the Most of This Highly Effective, Motivating and Research-Based Approach to Oral Reading. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada.

Activity Objective

The goal of Reader's Theater: Building Fluency and Expression is to promote speed, accuracy and proper expression in reading by having students repeatedly read an engaging theatrical adaptation of a favorite story.

What You Need

Prep Time:

Task Time:

2, 30 minute sessionsSession 1:- Teacher and students share reading of script- Students read script in small groups- Students reread script and add expressionSession 2:- Students perform in front of the class

Materials Required:

Teacher:- Copy of scriptStudents:- Copy of script

What You Do

Teacher Role:

Modeling:- while class reads the script togetherSupporter:- while students read scriptsFacilitator:- while students perform

Student Grouping:

Whole class:- during shared reading of script and performancesSmall groups:- during readings of script

Assessment Ideas:

- Use a checklist to track fluency and expression as students read aloud in groups and perform in front of the class
- Track student participation and speaking and listening skills
- Provide students with oral feedback on their strengths and next steps

Quick Tips

Activity Extensions:

- Add costumes, props and background scenes
- Have students perform their reader's theater in front of the school or another class
- Invite parents into the classroom for a reader's theater performance

Additional Comments:

- The focus of reader's theater should be fluency and expression. Adding actions, gestures, props and costumes after the first read through can be a fun and motivating way to enhance performances.
- Encourage students to read from the text. Knowing that memorization of the text is not necessary will help students gain confidence in reading aloud, especially for less confident readers.
- Adapt a favorite narrative to a script.
- Reader's theater promotes cooperation. Discuss what cooperation looks like and sounds like with your students so they are aware of the expectations.
- Integrating drama into your literacy program fosters a motivation for learning and provides an opportunity for all students to participate.